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IDT Finance: 20 Years in Payments.
Let’s take a step back for a moment… It’s 2006. Crazy by Gnarls Barkley is topping the music charts, on social media, Twitter is just about getting started and the iPhone hasn’t even been invented yet (that really is crazy). Needless to say, contactless payments are still the realm of sci-fi movies and the idea of launching a fintech from a laptop feels, at best, impossible.
Fast forward twenty years to today and the shift is hard to overstate. Smartphones have become the primary way people interact with money; digital wallets are embedded in daily routines; and fintech has moved from the margins to the centre of financial services. What is less visible, but arguably more important, is how the infrastructure behind those experiences has had to evolve to keep pace.
This year marks two decades since IDT Finance began building within that environment. Since securing its banking licence and establishing principal membership with Visa and Mastercard, the business has focused on enabling payment programmes that can grow and adapt as the market changes around them.
Built on strong foundations
Much of the transformation in payments over the past twenty years has been driven by digitisation. According to World Bank research, more than two-thirds of adults globally now have access to a digital payment account, a significant increase from the early 2000s. Real-time payment systems, mobile wallets and embedded finance have reshaped how both businesses and consumers move money, raising expectations around speed, convenience and accessibility.
Beneath that shift sits a layer that is rarely discussed in detail but underpins everything. Issuing services, scheme connectivity, regulatory frameworks and banking capabilities all play a role in allowing products to be built, launched and scaled with confidence.
Since 2006, IDT Finance has concentrated on this layer. From securing its banking licence and becoming a Principal Member of Visa and Mastercard, to supporting the early growth of BIN sponsorship and card issuing, the business has developed steadily by keeping focused on commercial success and regulatory excellence.
Growing together
The payments industry has been characterised by speed, particularly over the last decade. New entrants have reshaped user expectations, investment has accelerated innovation, and platforms have scaled rapidly across multiple markets. At the same time, consolidation has become increasingly common, with providers merging, pivoting or exiting as the market matures.
Within that context, IDT Finance has taken a different route. Rather than prioritising rapid expansion, the focus has been on building enduring relationships, supported by infrastructure and compliance frameworks that enable programmes to scale sustainably.
For clients, this tends to shift the nature of the relationship and something just clicks. It is less about onboarding a provider and more about working with a team that understands the practical realities of operating in a regulated and evolving market.
Evolving with the market
The payments landscape that IDT Finance entered in 2006 bears little resemblance to the one it operates in today. Customer expectations have changed, technology has advanced, and regulatory oversight has increased significantly, particularly in areas such as safeguarding and financial crime prevention.
Adapting to these changes has required more than incremental improvements. It has led to a broader evolution in how services are structured and delivered.
Today, IDT Finance operates through a connected ecosystem that includes justbank, spanning card issuing, BIN sponsorship and business banking. These capabilities sit within a broader network of partners that support a card programme, from processors and programme managers to technology providers.
Stability stand outs
As the market has matured, stability has taken on greater importance. While innovation continues to drive the sector forward, the practical challenges of launching and scaling a payments programme remain significant. Regulatory alignment, scheme relationships and operational consistency all play a role in determining long-term success.
In an environment where providers can change direction or have to seek external funding, continuity becomes a valuable asset. Experience, in this sense, is less about longevity for its own sake and more about the insight that comes from operating through different market cycles.
Understanding how programmes behave at scale, how regulation evolves across jurisdictions and where potential risks may emerge are all factors that influence decision-making over time. These are not capabilities that can be easily replicated without that depth of experience.
Supporting growth
The idea of growing together is often referenced in financial services, but it takes on a different meaning when viewed over a twenty-year period. Many of IDT Finance’s partnerships have developed gradually, evolving as clients expand into new markets, introduce new products or respond to regulatory change.
That continuity allows programmes to develop without needing to be rebuilt, creating a more stable foundation for long-term growth. It also helps to build trust, which in this sector is typically earned through consistent delivery rather than positioning alone.
Ready for what’s next
While this 20th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect, the focus for IDT Finance remains on what comes next. The payments industry will continue to evolve, shaped by further advances in technology, increasing regulatory expectations and the continued integration of financial services into digital platforms.
What is unlikely to change is the importance of a stable partner and service provider. As payments become more embedded and less visible to end users, the role of reliable, well-structured systems becomes even more critical.
Twenty years ago, smartphones hadn’t even been invented yet and digital payments were still finding their place. Today, it’s hard to imagine a world without either. Time really does seem to be speeding up, but the need for strong foundations and long-term thinking remains as relevant as ever.
Most people in an office do not spend much time thinking about how the heating works. It hums quietly in the background, keeping the space warm and the team focused. Until one day it doesn’t. Something fails. The chill sets in. Jenny from accounts brings in a jumper. Alan complains that his hands are freezing. Suddenly, everyone notices. What was once background becomes everyone’s business.
Payments infrastructure can be just as invisible. When it works, it stays out of the way. Cards are issued, services flow, and operations move forward. Cool. However, when something starts to slip, whether it’s delays in support, inflexible systems, or a lack of responsiveness, people across the business begin to feel it. And they start asking questions.
Reassessing your BIN Sponsorship, issuing and payment setup is not about fixing something that is broken. It’s about taking a temperature check, recognising when conditions have changed, and ensuring your supply chain continues to help your business thrive.
Small signs, big impact
When a payments partner stops keeping pace, the signs are rarely dramatic. It might begin with slower responses or fewer conversations about product evolution. There may be little appetite for tailoring the service. Things are still functioning, but the fit feels off.
Over time, this takes a toll. Product teams adjust their roadmaps around limitations. Operations teams spend longer chasing updates. Strategic opportunities are delayed or missed altogether. The business carries on, but it is no longer being supported in the right way.
These moments are a signal. Not to panic, but to pause and ask whether better options exist.
Switching, the right way
At IDT Finance, switching is approached as a shared process. It begins with understanding how things work now and what the client wants to achieve next.
There is no single template. Every migration starts with a full review of the programme, including the supply chain, third-party partners and operational needs. From there, the IDT team works with the client to build a plan that reflects both ambition and detail.
When new clients migrate to IDT Finance, the move can involve much more than a change of issuer. A new processor maybe, a new Scheme of and a new Digital Banking provider can be part of the mix. To keep things on track, our team, including the leadership team are available for workshops to map out the process in detail with every step agreed upon in advance, with responsibilities and timelines clearly mapped out.
For simpler migrations, the process can take around four months. More complex transitions may take longer. Whatever the timeline, clients receive ongoing support from a dedicated project manager, a relationship lead and specialists across compliance, operations and payments.
The result is a migration process that feels less like a handover and more like a partnership from the start.
A partner built to grow with you
IDT Finance’s way of working is built around a simple idea: growth should be collaborative. Whether supporting start-ups with new concepts, scaling with long-standing partners or helping established clients expand into new markets, the aim is always the same. The goal is to build something sustainable together, with proper support along the way.
That ethos shows up in the day-to-day. It means staying close to clients and adapting when their needs or situation change. It means offering the right combination of issuing, payment services and Digital Banking capabilities without making things more complicated than they need to be. It means understanding that relationships don’t stop at go-live. That is where they begin.
And for those ready to reassess, it also means making the switching process as smooth and supported as possible, from the first conversation to the final handover.
Is it time to check the system?
Like heating in a busy office, a good payments setup is one you rarely need to think about. But that does not mean it should be ignored. Left unchecked, even the best systems start to lose their efficiency. The warmth fades. Performance drops. Small issues build up until someone finally decides to take a proper look.
For businesses that have outgrown their existing issuer or feel their current provider is no longer keeping pace, now is a good time to review. The right partner can bring more than technical expertise. They can bring focus, flexibility and the energy to grow with you.
IDT Finance is ready when you are.
For more information on our BIN Sponsorship, Issuing and Payment Services contact us at bd@idtfinance.com
IDT Finance, a trusted card issuer and strategic partner of Mastercard and Visa, has received authorisation from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
For nearly two decades, IDT Finance has been the go-to partner for businesses seeking card issuance solutions.
With a proven track record of delivering hundreds of successful card programmes, IDT Finance enables large corporates and financial institutions to launch payment products effortlessly, eliminating the complexities of direct licensing.
Securing a licence from MFSA marks a significant step forward for IDT Finance, strengthening its ability to serve clients across the European Economic Area (EEA).
With this authorisation, the firm can now offer its full suite of card issuance and payment services throughout the EU under a single, respected regulatory framework. The Malta licence also enables IDT Finance to deepen its presence in Europe and operate with greater proximity to partners across the region. It provides the regulatory clarity and infrastructure needed to support everything from prepaid and debit card programmes to embedded finance and banking-lite solutions, including IBANs, Faster Payments, and Apple Pay/Google Pay compatibility.
For clients, this means more than just access to card schemes. It means working with a trusted, licensed partner that offers stability, compliance, and tailored support across multiple markets.
With operational hubs now in Malta, London, and Gibraltar, IDT Finance is well positioned to help businesses launch and scale their financial products across borders.
IDT Finance is backed by its parent company, IDT Corporation, a New York Stock Exchange-listed entity with a strong track record in delivering pioneering communication and payment technologies.
Since its inception, IDT Finance has forged strong industry partnerships to enhance its banking and card issuance services, collaborating with leading firms for transaction monitoring, financial reconciliations, card manufacturing, and advanced payment processing.
As the business continues to evolve, IDT Finance is laying the groundwork for its next chapter under the justcards brand.
Luciano Brincat, Managing Director of IDT Finance (EU), said:
“Securing MFSA authorisation is a pivotal moment for IDT Finance in Malta. It reflects our continued commitment to helping businesses deliver on their offering by launching card programmes across various schemes in Europe, underpinned by deep expertise and trusted global partnerships.”
Damian Asquez, Executive Director of IDT Finance (EU), Managing Director of IDT Finance (UK) and justbank, added:
“IDT Finance is a trusted partner for businesses seeking efficient, secure, and scalable card issuance solutions. This latest authorisation underscores our dedication to delivering best-in-class BIN sponsorship and payment services. Whether it’s prepaid, debit, or credit card programmes, we stand ready to support businesses across Europe and beyond with our proven expertise and regulatory strength.
As we prepare for our transition to justcards, we remain focused on innovation and delivering seamless, future-ready solutions for our partners.”
Get in Touch
For partnership opportunities or to learn more about how you can work with IDT Finance bd@idtfinance.com.
To quote Bob Dylan, “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Ok, while I am pretty sure Bob wasn’t referring to the UK and European e-money sector, the sentiment still applies. This is an industry that never stays still. It is shaped by innovation, regulation and, most importantly, by what businesses need.
Across the UK and Europe, the way businesses approach payments has transformed. There has been a shift towards embedded finance, digital wallets, and seamless ways to connect banking and payment services. These changes are being led by real business challenges and the growing demand for smarter, more flexible infrastructure.
And it’s not just the tech that’s changing; the players are, too. Over the last twenty years, the market has seen countless businesses enter the space. Some have scaled successfully, while others have faded away. What stands out now more than ever is continuity, reliability, and the reassurance that operators deliver the same high standards, no matter how much the industry evolves.
It seems that in an evolving space, one thing matters more than ever: having a partner who is strong, steady, and willing to evolve alongside its clients.
What stability looks like
IDT Finance has been in this industry since 2006. As one of the longest-standing independent e-money institutions in the sector, IDT Finance is fully licensed in the UK and across the EEA. With offices in Gibraltar, London, and Malta, the business has helped clients navigate change at every stage, from the early days of prepaid cards to the complex multi-channel programmes of today.
Over the past two decades, it has consistently met the demands of modern businesses. Today, clients need far more than cards and scheme access. They want integrated services that are secure, scalable, and able to support increasingly sophisticated use cases. Whether launching a consumer product, enabling embedded finance, or building out a digital banking offer, the requirements are broader and more complex than ever before.
In response, IDT Finance has evolved its offer to provide BIN sponsorship, physical and virtual card issuing, digital wallet compatibility via Apple Pay and Google Pay, and a range of Banking Lite services including IBANs and Faster Payments. It also works closely with a trusted network of programme management partners to ensure clients receive the structure, compliance and operational support required to build and run effective programmes.
What remains unchanged is the way IDT delivers these services. Clients benefit from responsive support, tailored guidance and an experienced team that focuses on long-term partnerships, not one-size-fits-all products. In a sector that continues to evolve, that kind of steady, reliable presence is something businesses can count on.
The value of independence
As an independently run business, IDT Finance can focus on what clients need, rather than chasing quick wins or short-term targets. That independence means faster decision-making, more personal support and a commitment to doing things correctly. There is no standard approach. Every client is different, and the solutions reflect that. “Clients tell us they do not want to be one small fish in a very big pond,” says Rob Darby, Head of Sales at IDT Finance. “They want a partner who understands their needs, moves quickly and can grow with them – we’re all in.”
This level of care and responsiveness has become a defining feature of the business. It’s not something that comes from clever branding or bold claims. It’s built through showing up, solving problems, and staying the course when things get complicated. In a sector that can sometimes move too fast to be personal, IDT Finance’s clients value the human side of the partnership just as much as the infrastructure. They know who they’re working with. And they know that when something needs attention, it will be handled with care.
That steady presence, paired with the ability to adapt, has helped IDT Finance stand out.
Nothing stands still
The only constant in payments is change. It’s a truth that stretches all the way back to Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher who reminded us that nothing stays the same. Regulations shift, technologies advance, and expectations rise. Blink, and the market looks different from the year before.
Against this backdrop, businesses want more than innovation. They want dependability, partners who bring clarity when the details get complicated, partners who stay focused when the market gets noisy, and, above all, partners who show up for the long term.
IDT Finance has built that reputation. Independent, experienced, and rooted in nearly two decades of service, it has remained constant throughout the sector’s reinventions, constantly evolving and never standing still.
About IDT Finance
IDT Financial Services Limited is part of the IDT Corporation Group of International Companies headquartered in the US (NYSE: IDT). Its cards are issued pursuant to license by Mastercard International and Visa Europe.
Mastercard and Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard International. IDT Financial Services Limited is a regulated bank, licensed by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC).
Registered Office: 57-63 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. Registered No: 95716
IDT Finance, a trusted provider of tailored payment and banking solutions, has announced a new partnership with open banking specialist tell.money. This joint venture will integrate advanced Confirmation of Payee (CoP) services into IDT Finance’s offering, reinforcing its commitment to payment security, regulatory compliance, and supporting both existing and prospective clients.
The addition of CoP strengthens IDT Finance’s offering by providing an essential layer of fraud prevention and transaction assurance. Designed to verify the intended recipient’s account details before a payment is made, CoP is an integral tool for businesses navigating the complexities of modern payment systems. By integrating this service, IDT Finance ensures its clients are equipped with compliant, ready-to-use solutions that meet evolving regulatory standards while mitigating risks.
Rob Darby, head of sales of IDT Finance, commented: “At IDT Finance, we are committed to empowering our clients with tools that not only enhance security but also position them to thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Our partnership with tell.money underscores our mission to grow together with our partners, delivering solutions that are both innovative and reliable. The addition of Confirmation of Payee strengthens our capabilities by creating a seamless, secure payment experience for businesses and consumers alike, reflecting our proactive approach to addressing evolving client needs.”
The integration with tell.money builds on IDT Finance’s robust partnership with ClearBank, a technology-driven bank that focuses on creating a sustainable banking and payment infrastructure. ClearBank’s faster payments capabilities enhance IDT Finance’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address diverse client requirements. Together, these partnerships strengthen IDT Finance’s position as a trusted provider of secure and innovative payment and banking services.
Rob France, chief commercial officer of tell.money, added:
“We are thrilled to partner with IDT Finance, a trusted provider in the payments sector. Confirmation of Payee is just the beginning of a long-term, impactful relationship. Our shared mission is to provide businesses with innovative open banking tools, empowering them to meet regulatory challenges and embrace new opportunities in the fintech space.”
This new capability builds on IDT Finance’s reputation for delivering tailored payment and banking solutions, including BIN sponsorship, prepaid and debit card programs, and digital payment innovations. By partnering with tell.money, IDT Finance is poised to deliver a pipeline of open banking tools that will drive growth and compliance for its clients in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.
For more information, visit www.idtfinance.com and www.tell.money
ENDS
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About IDT Finance
IDT Financial Services Limited is part of the IDT Corporation Group of International Companies headquartered in the US (NYSE: IDT). Its cards are issued pursuant to license by Mastercard International and Visa Europe. Mastercard and the Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard International. IDT Financial Services Limited is a regulated bank, licensed by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC). Registered Office: 57-63 Line Wall Road, Gibraltar. Registered No: 95716
About tell.money
tell.money is a pioneering open banking SaaS platform, providing financial institutions and TPPs with innovative tools such as Dedicated Interface APIs, Confirmation of Payee, and regulatory monitoring solutions. With a focus on compliance and user experience, tell.money enables organisations to thrive in the open banking ecosystem. For more information, visit www.tell.money
IDT Finance has partnered with Tell Money, a recognized leader in account name verification, to provide an established solution for its clients that ensures minimal technical effort and includes end to support for Confirmation of Payee services.
IDT Finance, a trusted provider of tailored payment solutions, and ClearBank, the enabler of real-time clearing and embedded banking, today announced a partnership to deliver enhanced payment capabilities to businesses. This collaboration means that IDT customers will be able to offer a wider range of financial services, including branded payment cards, instant payments, and account management, without the complexities of traditional banking infrastructure.
By leveraging ClearBank’s cutting-edge banking technology, IDT Finance will be able to offer its clients access to a comprehensive suite of financial services, including:
- Bin sponsorship: Businesses can obtain their own BIN (Bank Identification Number) to distribute branded payment cards, allowing them to differentiate their offerings and strengthen customer loyalty.
- Agency banking services: IDT Finance can provide agency banking services to its clients, simplifying the onboarding process and reducing time-to-market for new products.
Solving industry challenges
IDT’s partnership with ClearBank directly addresses key challenges faced by businesses in today’s competitive landscape:
- Regulatory compliance: As a regulated entity, IDT Finance can provide clients with seamless access to ClearBank’s services while minimising regulatory hurdles.
- Product innovation: The partnership will allow IDT to offer a wider range of innovative financial products and services, helping clients stay ahead of the curve.
- Streamlined onboarding: IDT Finance handles the entire Know Your Business (KYB) process, which means clients only need to complete this step once, saving valuable time and effort.
Driving business growth together
“Our partnership with ClearBank aligns perfectly with our philosophy of growing together,” said Rob Darby, Head of Sales at IDT Finance.
“Our enthusiastic, creative, and inquisitive approach means we’re always looking for ways to improve our offerings and exceed client expectations.”
“Having been offering BIN Sponsorship services for almost 20 years we are also able to provide the stability and expertise businesses need to succeed, thanks to our long-standing reputation in the sector and the strong backing of our well-established parent company.”
John Salter, Chief Customer Officer at ClearBank, said: “ClearBank is always looking for partners with a similar client-focused philosophy—in IDT, we have found one. Through IDT, we can help more companies experience the unique power of the ClearBank platform and the products and services we can deliver. This is an exciting partnership to watch.”
To learn more about how IDT Finance and ClearBank can help your business, you can contact Rob from IDT Finance at bd@idtfinance.com.
Ends
About IDT Finance
IDT Finance is a regulated bank licensed by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and a financial institution licenced by the Malta Financial Services Authority specialising in BIN sponsorship and payment card issuance. Backed by NYSE-listed IDT Corporation, it offers tailored financial solutions across the UK, Gibraltar, Israel and the EEA, including prepaid and debit card programs for various sectors.
About ClearBank
ClearBank is a purpose-built, technology-enabled clearing bank. Through its banking licence and intelligent, robust technology solutions, ClearBank enables its partners to offer real-time payment and innovative banking services to their customers.
ClearBank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number: 754568).
ClearBank Europe N.V. is authorised by the European Central Bank (ECB) and supervised by the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).
Visit www.clear.bank for more information.
For more information:
Contact Rob Darby on:
Email: bd@IDTfinance.com
IDT Financial Services Ltd
PO Box 1374
2nd Floor
10 Cannon Lane
Gibraltar
GX11 1AA
IDT Finance, a trusted provider of tailored payment solutions, and ClearBank, the enabler of real-time clearing and embedded banking, have announced a partnership to deliver enhanced payment capabilities to businesses.